Dublin City Council through its Smart Dublin initiative invites cyclists to take part in an innovative smart light pilot scheme that will connect over 500 cyclists across Dublin. As well as keeping cyclists safer on the road, the See.Sense smart ICON light gathers a wide range of data that city planners can access to inform them on how to improve cycling infrastructure and policies to promote cycling in the city.

These award winning lights, designed by See.Sense, are daylight visible, enhancing cyclist safety in all lighting conditions. Using sensor technology they flash brighter and faster in riskier situations such as road junctions and roundabouts. The sensors can also anonymously gather data on the cyclist’s environment such as the quality of the road surface, cycling routes, accidents and near-miss events – providing accurate qualitative data and allowing the city to be mapped like never before.

Jamie Cudden, Smart City Program Manager for Dublin City Council said, ‘Dublin is an ideal place to test new and emerging smart city technologies. We are delighted to work with See.Sense to expose the city to fresh thinking in how we embrace new technologies. This project is one of four smart cycle pilots that we have funded with the support of Enterprise Ireland and is helping to put Dublin on the map for cycle and technology innovation”.

As Irene McAleese, Co-founder of See.Sense explains, “The Smart Dublin Cycle Challenge is providing us with a unique opportunity to engage with the various city council departments and Dublin’s cycling community to test our innovative ICON technology. We work with data science experts at Queen’s University Belfast to gain meaningful insights from the data and to develop a scaleable solution that can be applied to any city in the world”

Edel Kelly, Senior Executive Planner for Dublin City Council adds “We are excited by the potential for this project. There are a wide range of use cases that we see possible from the real-time sensor data collected from these lights. The data collected by the trial participants will be used to help us develop a safer and better cycling experience for Dublin. Projects like this act as an important precursor to Dublin hosting the global cycling congress Velo City in 2019 of which a key theme will focus on smart cycling technologies”

For information on the pilot scheme go to www.smartdublin.ie/see.sense The scheme will run from mid August to November 2017. Those wishing to take part need to register and must have access to an android phone. The light can be purchased at a heavily subsided price of €20 (RRP €90).

The ICON is the only bike light in the world that reacts to your environment, making you more visible in riskier situations such as braking for roundabouts or busy intersections, or when approached by car headlights at night. It boasts 270 degree side visibility meaning you can be seen at greater angles. It also uses Bluetooth integration, allowing you the option to pair and control your lights with your phone, and avail of crash and theft alerts for peace of mind. All while maintaining an impressive 15 hour battery life in a small and lightweight package. The ICON light recently won ‘Best Bike Gadget’ by readers of road.cc, the UK’s biggest online cycling website.

Proposal: Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given of the proposal to amend the previously approved Planning Permission 3601/12 for Sutton to Sandycove Cycleway & Footway Interim Works: Bull Wall to Causeway Road to include for the modification of the flood defence sea wall on James Larkin Road D3 between Mount Prospect Avenue D3 and Watermill Road D5.

It is proposed:

To reduce the height of the flood defence sea wall from 4.25mOD to a height ranging from 4.06mOD to 3.95mOD to provide an effect flood defence height of a minimum of 3.95mOD and a pedestrian parapet of a minimum of 500mm high.

Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy for a period of 6 weeks from 14/06/17 to 26/07/17 during public opening hours at the offices of Dublin City Council, Public Counter, Planning & Property Development Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Monday – Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm.

A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated may be made, in writing, to the Executive Manager, Planning & Property Development Department, Dublin City Council, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, before 4.30pm on 10/08/17

The Sutton to Sandycove (S2S) project is a scheme comprising elements of two projects, the Dollymount Promenade & Flood Protection Project (DPFPP) and the North City Arterial Watermain (NCAM), both of which have planning approval from An Bord Pleanála. Subsequent to the planning approval by An Bord Pleanála of the DPFPP in December 2011, Dublin City Council (DCC) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) received Part 8 Planning approval for this Interim scheme in May 2013. The scope of works includes the construction of two new sections of retaining wall and improvements to the existing sea defence wall.

The section of the project involves the construction of 2 km of cycle track, additional flood protection measures and the laying of a trunk water main. The wall is required to protect against coastal flooding in this area. In a coastal area deeper water level will generate higher waves. With large portions of Bull Island likely to be flooded in the future due to a rise in sea levels, this section of the coastline will be much more exposed to wave action and the wall height is the minimum recommended to combat this.

Dublin City Council is currently engaged in River Dodder Flood Alleviation Works, Phases 2c/2d/2e under a Part 8 planning permission issued in 2013. Part of this project includes works to the western bank of the river Dodder between Herbert Park and Anglesea Bridge (Donnybrook).

Separately, Dublin City Council with the support of the National Transport Authority (NTA) has been developing proposals for a high quality walking and cycling route along the river Dodder. The Dodder Greenway project is a proposed 29km walking and cycling route from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay through Grand Canal Dock, Ringsend, Lansdowne, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Clonskeagh, Milltown, Rathfarnham, Tallaght and into the Dublin Mountains.

The preferred option for the Dodder Greenway through the Donnybrook area has been identified as a route along the western bank of the River Dodder between Anglesea Bridge (Donnybrook) and Herbert Park. The current proposals for the flood alleviation works in this area would require major alteration in the future to allow for the Dodder Greenway to be provided along this preferred route. Dublin City Council therefore proposes to amend the current proposals for the flood alleviation works between Herbert Park and Anglesea Bridge so that the greenway can be constructed as part of the current on-going flood defences in this area.

As part of the amended works it is proposed:

To widen a 120m section of the originally planned flood embankment to allow for the construction of a 4m wide walking and cycling route along its length.

To alter the line of approx.140m, and cantilever over the riverbank approximately 130m, of the originally planned flood wall in order that the walking and cycling route can be constructed between the flood wall and the neighbouring pitches and tennis courts.

To remove some existing low value trees and provide a new tree planting scheme

To install a new boundary fence between the walking and cycling route and the neighbouring property belonging to the Leinster Branch of the IRFU. To provide beech hedging or similar as screening on the Leinster Branch side of the boundary fence

Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy for a period of 6 weeks from Friday 21st of April 2017 to Tuesday 6th of June 2017 during public opening hours at the offices of Dublin City Council, Public Counter, Planning Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Monday – Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm.

A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated may be made, in writing, to the Executive Manager, Planning Department, Dublin City Council, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, before 4.30pm on Tuesday, 20th of June 2017.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr welcomes Mr. Bernhard Ensink and Mr. Marcio Deslandes from the European Cycle Federation (ECF) to the Mansion House on Thursday, 6th April 2017 at 10.30 am to sign the contract that will bring the Velo-City Conference to Dublin in June 2019.

The Velo-City conference series is the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) annual global cycling summit organised by the ECF and selected host cities. Velo-City conferences are widely considered as the premier international cycling conference series and serve as a global communications and information platform to target and influence decision makers, and improve the policies, planning and provision of infrastructure for cycling and the daily use of the bicycle in an urban environment. The conferences traditionally involve experts, representatives of associations, institutions, policy-makers and social agents, universities and companies.

In August 2016, Dublin City Council made a formal submission to bid for Velo-City to take place in Dublin 2019. Dublin, along with Helsinki, were shortlisted as potential host cities for Velo-City 2019 in September 2016, an intensive site visit took place in both Dublin and Helsinki in November 2016, with Dublin announced as being awarded the bid in December 2016. The 2019 conference will take place in the Dublin Convention Centre from 25th – 28th of June in 2019.

Lord Mayor Brendan Carr said “I am delighted that Dublin has been chosen to host Velo-City in 2019. I would like to congratulate Dublin City Council and the other partner agencies who successfully bid to bring this prestigious international conference to Dublin city. Hosting Velo-City will accelerate efforts to further the development of Dublin as a world class cycling city.”

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Shane Ross T.D., today congratulated Dublin City Council on winning the right to host Velo-city 2019. He said “I was hugely impressed with the Dublin City Council led bid and am delighted that Dublin has been chosen to host Velo-city 2019.

I was pleased to meet with the European Cyclist’s Federation CEO Bernhard Ensink and his colleagues on their recent visit to Dublin to assess the Dublin bid to host Velo-city 2019. I assured Mr. Ensink of the Government’s commitment to supporting this conference, and look forward to welcoming the 2,000 participants in June 2019.

Ireland, and Dublin in particular, is well positioned to attract international conferences of this scale with our increasing air connectivity and excellent facilities such as those available at the Convention Centre Dublin which will be the venue for this fascinating conference. I hope to see many more events of this scale being awarded to Ireland in the coming years.”

Bernhard Ensink, ECF Secretary General said “We are excited to bring participants from all continents in 2019 to Dublin. Velo-City 2019 Dublin will – as all our Global Cycling Summits do – offer a great opportunity for sharing the experience, knowledge and expertise about the promotion of cycling worldwide.”

Cycling for the ages

Colm Ryder, Chairperson Cyclist.ie said “The international Velo City conference series is the most prestigious and largest cycling related conference in the world, with thousands of delegates from all parts of the globe attending. Dublin Cycling Campaign/Cyclist.ie, as the Irish member of the European Cyclists’ Federation the conference coordinator, is proud to be a partner in Dublin city’s successful bid to host this conference in 2019 and to welcome potential delegates.”

Dublin previously hosted Velo-City in 2005 and is the first city in the world to be awarded the conference twice. Hosting Velo-City in 2005 proved a catalyst for cycling growth in the city – the number of cyclists in the city increased by 150% since 2005, but also the conference showed that cycling was a real and viable mode of transport for Dublin despite its decline over the previous years. The experience that the delegates shared with Dublin and their insights really changed attitudes at a number of levels to cycling and showed that there was a need for strong policy decisions, ambitious targets and an integrated approach to encouraging sustainable travel.

The 2019 conference promises to double these efforts in terms of delivering Dublin as a word class cycling city. Dublin as a Smart City has also embraced Intelligent Transport solutions and is also exploring ways in which innovative technology can contribute to growing and promoting cycling in the city.

Dublin’s theme for Velo-City 2019 is Cycling for the Ages, which will encourage cycling by people of all ages, young and old, male and female and to promote the health, environmental, social and economic benefits of cycling. The theme will also show the evolution of cycling in Dublin through the ages and into the future.

Dublin looks forward to welcoming delegates from all over the world to share experiences, successes and challenges in promoting and developing cycling during Velo-City Dublin, 2019 and anticipate that, just as in 2005, hosting Velo-City will be a game changer for cycling in Dublin.

The Velo-City conference will attract 2,000 international delegates and as such will be a hugely beneficial event for the city and the country with an estimated €3.8 million boost to the economy.

Luas Cross City has launched its latest ‘Be Track Aware & Give Cyclists Space’ campaign this week in Dublin City Centre. The campaign’s objective is to remind all cyclists, pedestrians and motorists of the importance of being extra vigilant when in the vicinity of the newly laid Luas tracks. There will be radio ads, billboards, posters, digital and social alerts over the coming weeks and months to remind everyone of the new tram tracks.

All of the tram tracks are now in place across streets in Dublin city centre. Although there are no trams running on them yet, Luas Cross City urge everyone who uses these streets to be track aware. Cyclists and pedestrians in particular should be extra cautious. Cyclists are advised to cross the tracks as closely as possible to a right angle, and please follow the signs and road markings carefully.

Motorists are asked to be alert to cyclists, particularly in areas with tram tracks. Motorists should give space when driving behind or beside cyclists.

The numbers of people using sustainable modes of transport to travel into Dublin city centre increased further in 2016, and now accounts for over two thirds of all journeys.

According to the Canal Cordon Report 2016 published by NTA and Dublin City Council, 134,559 people travel into the city centre at peak time using bus, train, Luas, walking or cycling. This is up from 132,188 in 2015.

By contrast, the numbers of people entering the city centre by car, is down from 67,755 in 2015 to 67,442 in 2016.

This means that the gap between people using sustainable modes and non-sustainable modes of transport continues to grow. Sustainable journeys accounted for 67% of journeys in 2016, compared to 66% in 2015.

The number of sustainable journeys in 2010 was 59% and it has increased every year since.

Mode

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Sustainable Modes

61%

63%

64%

61%

59%

61%

62%

63%

65%

66%

67%

Car,Goods & Other

39%

37%

36%

39%

41%

39%

38%

37%

35%

34%

33%

Mode share of people crossing the Canal Cordon by sustainable modes 2006-2016

National Transport Authority Chief Executive Anne Graham said: “What we are witnessing here, not just in 2016, but over a period of the last six years or so, is a steady shift from the car to the more sustainable alternatives like public transport, cycling and walking.

“But these things don’t happen by accident, and it is thanks to the customer-focused approach of the transport operators and other public agencies including DCC and NTA, that this shift is under way.

“We have seen innovations such as Leap Card, Real Time Passenger Information, journey planner apps etc, and these when combined with investment in transport infrastructure such as Luas Cross City, more buses for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, and rail projects like Phoenix Park Tunnel, make public transport an increasingly attractive alternative to the car.

“To build on this momentum, we need an ambitious investment programme around bus prioritisation measures in the Dublin area, just as we need to copper-fasten investment in plans such as those for Metro North and Dart Expansion. We also need to continue to build on the success of our cycling programmes by building more cycleways and by working with DCC and the other local authorities in the area to expand the Coke Zero Bike share scheme”.

The report has been circulated to members of Dublin City Council Transport SPC for discussion at their next meeting. Data on the movement of people across the Canal Cordon has been assembled from a number of sources for this report, including:

By combining these four data sources, the NTA and DCC have been able to compile a comprehensive picture of the modes of travel used by people travelling across the Canal Cordon into the City in a typical AM peak period.

A new pedestrian crossing on Merrion Square North, Dublin 2 has been installed to enhance a new layout which now brings a shared bus and cycle lane up to the junction where it previously ended before the junction. The layout has also been and remarked to ensure a more direct cycle lane across the junction.